Managing uncertainty and loneliness : protective and risk factors impacting on older people’s mental health in Hong Kong

Abstract

This study investigated the roles of loneliness and prospective intolerance of uncertainty (IU-P) on mental health, and identified the sources of stress and joy during the COVID-19 in Hong Kong. Two thousand two hundred and fifty-eight older adults completed the survey. Older adults who had higher levels of loneliness and IU-P were more likely to have poor mental health. IU-P was found to partially and positively mediate the relationship between loneliness and mental health. Top stressors were contracting the virus, uncertainty about the future, and loneliness; while family/friends, peace of mind, and hobbies were identified as protective factors.